African American Christian Foundation

What African American Christian Foundation does

The African American Christian Foundation (AACF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1985 by Dr. Kwadwo Antwi-Mensah and headquartered at 6707 North Ave., Oak Park, Illinois, with a secondary office in downtown Chicago. AACF operates as a trauma-informed, community-based workforce development organization serving low-income residents of Cook County, primarily youth aged 16-24 and adults aged 25+ who face barriers including homelessness, prior incarceration, lack of a high school diploma, and limited marketable skills. The organization's core delivery model consists of a Youth Employment Program and Adult Employment Program, both providing assessments, career coaching, case management, paid internships, and job placement, supplemented by a Support4Success wrap-around services layer covering housing, transportation, food, childcare, and mental health.

AACF's product portfolio is built around vocational credentialing rather than proprietary technology. Training programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health since 2017), Pharmacy Technician (approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board in 2023), Commercial Driver's License (via Progressive Trucking School), IT/Customer Service (Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook taught through the KAMITH Technology Training Center), Entrepreneurship, and Food Service. Recent additions include a Career Coach Corp pipeline (2022), an interim housing program launched in April 2024 in a converted hotel building with capacity for 13 individuals, an HIV+ Housing Assistance Program, and a 16-day paid Customer Service and IT Training program launched in 2025.

AACF operates as a public charity and does not charge participants for services. Its revenue model is a hybrid of unrestricted/earmarked grants from government sources — notably the Illinois Department of Human Services (funder of the Illinois Youth Investment Program), Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership, and WIOA — plus foundation grants (W.P. & H.B. White Foundation, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation, Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation) and individual/corporate donations. Disclosed FY2021 revenue was $1,314,101, with 97% spent on programs. The organization suffered a major leadership discontinuity in late 2024/early 2025 with the passing of Executive Director Evelyn Mensah and Deputy Executive Director Tami Yarbrough, and is currently navigating succession while continuing to operate.

Name

African American Christian Foundation

Legal name

African American Christian Foundation

Website

https://aacfworks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The African American Christian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 that delivers trauma-informed workforce development, vocational training, and wrap-around supportive services to low-income youth (ages 16-24) and adults in Cook County, Illinois, funded through government grants, foundation grants, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Educational Services (61), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

Keywords

• Workforce development programs
• Job training services
• Youth employment services
• Vocational training programs
• Community workforce programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Oak Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: AACF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Accepts all types of donations including in-kind contributions. Programs are free to qualifying clients.
2. Government Grants and Public Funding: Receives public funds from Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and other government sources to fund workforce development programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AACF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free workforce development programs — including assessments, work-readiness training, career coaching, paid internships, job placement, and vocational certifications (CNA, Pharmacy Technician, CDL, IT, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, Food Service) — to low-income youth ages 16–24 and adults ages 25+ in Cook County, Illinois. These employment services are bundled with wrap-around supportive offerings including transportation, housing assistance, rental support, mental health counseling, and life-skills coaching, all delivered through the Oak Park headquarters, Chicago office, and hybrid Zoom/in-person workshops.

Product overview

AACF operates as a workforce development nonprofit offering a multi-tiered service portfolio rather than a single software product. Its core programs are the Youth Employment Program (ages 16–24) and Adult Employment Program (ages 25+), both providing assessments, career coaching, case management, job readiness training, paid internships, job placements, and wrap-around supportive services. These are complemented by vocational training programs including CNA Training (Illinois Department of Public Health-approved since 2017), Pharmacy Technician Training (approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), CDL Training, IT Training (Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook), Entrepreneurship Training, Customer Service Training (16-day paid program), and Food Service Training. Support services include the Support4Success Program (transportation, food, housing, childcare assistance), Housing Assistance Program (rental support up to one year plus an interim housing program), and a Community Mental Health Initiative (therapy via partnerships with Sista Afya and Cornerstone Counseling Center). Specialized initiatives include the Career Coach Corp program, Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP), JTED Employment Program, and the Working Mothers and Youth Employment Program. All programs are free to qualifying low-income residents of Cook County, Illinois.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Employment Program Workforce development program for youth ages 16 to 24 starting with an 8- or 16-day workshop covering work readiness, barrier reduction, and career pathway launch; includes paid internships, career coaching, counseling, interviewing workshops, financial literacy, job placements, housing support, supportive services, and transportation assistance.
• Adult Employment Program Workforce development program for adults ages 25 and up providing skills, needs and interest assessments, career counseling, employment and job retention services, case management, and follow-up support; offers job training tracks in CNA, Pharmacy Technician, CDL, Entrepreneurship, Customer Service, and Food Service with wrap-around services including counseling, housing support, and transportation assistance.
• Support4Success Program (Supportive Services) Comprehensive supportive services program providing assistance with basic needs including transportation, food, housing, vocational training costs, higher education placement assistance, and life skills coaching, designed to eliminate barriers hindering participants from starting jobs or completing individual development plans.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training CNA training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, providing clinical experience at partner sites including Swedish Hospital and Symphony of Evanston and preparing participants for state CNA certification and employment in healthcare settings.
• Pharmacy Technician Training Program Two-month pharmacy technician training program approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board covering pharmacology, medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and healthcare systems; prepares graduates for national pharmacy technician certification and job placement in local pharmacies.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training CDL training program including Class A and Class C licensing that enables participants to pursue careers as over-the-road truck drivers or city bus drivers, with partnerships including Progressive Trucking School and the CTA Second Chance Program.
• IT Training Program Information technology training covering Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Outlook, and customer service soft skills, provided through the Technology Training Center (formerly KAMITH / AACF Computer Learning Center) with up to 30 Opler-Foundation-funded laptops for participant use.
• Customer Service Training Customer service training offered both virtually and in-person covering soft skills and professional workplace competencies; delivered as a 16-day paid training program and as part of the virtual entrepreneurship and customer service curriculum.
• Entrepreneurship Training Entrepreneurship training program offered as part of the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program, teaching business development and entrepreneurial skills to program participants.
• Food Service Training Food service job training providing skills for employment in the food service and hospitality industry, including food handler certifications.
• Housing Assistance Program Housing assistance providing up to one year of supportive rental assistance (first month's rent, deposit, and one-third of rent) for qualifying program participants, plus an interim housing program in a former hotel building with capacity for 13 individuals, and the HIV+ Housing Assistance Program added in 2024.
• Community Mental Health Initiative Holistic and accessible mental wellness care program for job seekers providing education, support, individual therapy, and partnership-driven counseling delivered with Sista Afya and Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago.
• Career Coach Corp Specialized pipeline program launched in October 2022 that trains participants to become career coaches, case managers, and customer service representatives; participants earn $17/hour while learning coaching techniques, case management, customer service, and computer office skills, equipping graduates for AACF or external career coach, customer service, or office management roles.
• Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) State-funded youth employment initiative (funded by Illinois Department of Human Services) providing job training, placement, and supportive services to eligible youth participants.
• JTED Employment Program Job training and employment program connecting participants with the CTA Second Chance Program and other workforce development pathways, including CDL training sponsorship.
• Working Mothers and Youth Employment Program Specialized employment program serving working mothers and youth participants, providing job training, supportive services, and assistance with obtaining driver's permits and licenses to overcome transportation barriers.
• Nationally Accredited High School Completion Program Accredited high school completion program added in 2020 to provide academic credentialing for participants who lack a high school diploma or GED.

Quantifiable outcome

• 72% job placement rate for youth participants
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Second Chance ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Nationally recognized workforce re-entry program providing CDL training, bus operator positions, and career pathways for returning citizens and those with employment barriers. Created in 2011, the program offers up to one year of full-time employment, paid job training, education, mentoring, and networking. Hundreds of participants have achieved permanent employment with CTA.
• Walgreens CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate citizenship partnership placing AACF youth interns in various Walgreens retail stores. One-year anniversary partnership providing retail work experience and employment opportunities for youth participants.
• Sista AfyacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise providing mental health services to women and minorities. Partnership delivers short-term therapy to AACF clients through Northwestern Memorial Healthcare grant funding.
• Cornerstone Counseling Center of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing therapy services to AACF employment program participants. Free therapy available to all program participants.
• Dress for SuccessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerField trip destination for Youth Employment Workshop participants. Provides professional attire for interviews and office jobs.
• I Am A GentlemanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerField trip partner for Youth Employment Workshop. Provides professional development and suiting for young men in the program.
• Swedish HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining site for Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Provides clinical experience for AACF program participants.
• Symphony of EvanstoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining site for Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Provides clinical experience and job placement opportunities.
• PharmT Prep LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPharmacy technician training provider where AACF connects participants with financial aid resources for certification programs.
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital Basic Nursing Assistant ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAACF refers participants to BNA training program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Training funded by AACF, leads to CNA certification and employment at NM Hospital.
• UCANcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago-based organization supporting trauma-induced youth with counseling and workforce development. UCAN counselors refer clients to AACF for job training and placement services.
• Hope HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization assisting men with reentry after prison and recovery from substance abuse. Connects clients with AACF for workforce development.
• Progressive Trucking SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDL training provider where AACF refers participants for Class A commercial driver's license training. Charlie and Jashaun received CDL training through this partnership.
• Chicago Botanic Garden Windy City HarvestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban farming program where participant Tey was placed as farmer. Provides employment with good pay and benefits.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Urban League: Established Chicago-based organization offering workforce development, education, and economic empowerment programs to African American and other underserved communities — broader portfolio but overlapping target population.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Regional workforce development funder and operator overseeing WIOA services in Cook County; an intermediary/funder for AACF and the largest workforce development entity in the same geography.

Direct peers

• Safer Foundation: Chicago-area nonprofit focused on employment and reentry services for people with criminal records; directly comparable given AACF's CTA Second Chance partnership and returning-citizen segment.
• Instituto del Progreso Latino: Chicago Latino-focused workforce development and adult education nonprofit offering vocational training, ESL, and wraparound services — comparable community-based, wraparound model.
• Inspiration Corporation: Chicago nonprofit offering workforce development, housing, and supportive services to low-income individuals facing homelessness and joblessness — directly comparable wraparound service model.
• Skills for Chicagoland's Future: Chicago nonprofit connecting unemployed and underemployed job seekers with employer partners for training and placement — directly comparable model and shared employer network.
• The Cara Program: Chicago-based nonprofit providing workforce development, job training, and placement for individuals facing barriers to employment — directly comparable in mission, geography, and target population to AACF.
• National Able Network: Workforce development nonprofit serving low-income, unemployed, and underemployed adults across Chicagoland and nationally with job training and supportive services — directly comparable service mix.
• Centers for New Horizons: Chicago-based community organization providing workforce development, youth services, and family support on the South and West Sides — comparable community-based model and target geography.
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS Chicago): Chicago-based nonprofit providing vocational training, career coaching, and supportive services to job seekers with barriers — closely aligned workforce development model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KAMITH2010
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIY2NY4iAjNfmaqmK0TxKbA
• Facebookfacebook.com/6707wnorthave
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/african-american-christian-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/__aacf_

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about African American Christian Foundation